NYC debut of new live show by Broadway and PBS star Michael Cunio Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at Duane Park
“Electrifying” Broadway and PBS star MICHAEL CUNIO returns to the artist who has been his most enduring inspiration, Etta James, with his new live show, CUNIO SINGS ETTA. Performing classic arrangements in her original keys alongside a horn-driven quintet of NYC’s finest soul musicians, Cunio brings new life to James’ biggest hits including “A Sunday Kind Of Love,” “At Last,” “Tell Mama,” “I’d Rather Go Blind,” “All I Could Do Was Cry” and more.
Cunio Sings Etta makes its New York City debut on Tuesday, August 22 at 8pm at Duane Park (308 Bowery). Reservations for dinner and the show are available now by visiting www.duaneparknyc.com.
Described as the “spawn of Freddie Mercury & Janis Joplin,” Cunio gained national attention for his performance of Etta James’ classic "At Last" in the PBS concert special “Under The Streetlamp Live!” The TV special was a top 5 hit for PBS and "At Last" became his signature song. With Under the Streetlamp,Cunio filmed two nationally televised PBS specials, released three albums, and toured the world headlining venues including the Greek Theater and Wolf Trap.
In 2015, Cunio recorded and released “Back Alley Soul,” a tribute to the classic soul 45’s of the late 60s & 70s backed by members of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, The Roots, Harry Connick Jr., Postmodern Jukebox and more. The album was named after a fan told him “in Memphis, we have an expression for the way you sing.” “Back Alley Soul” debuted at number 6 on the iTunes R&B/Soul charts.
Cunio has also starred on Broadway as ‘Corny Collins’ in Hairspray, ‘Tommy DeVito’ in the Chicago Company of Jersey Boys, won an Ovation Award for his work in the world premiere of Reefer Madness and was nominated for an LA Weekly Theater Award for his performance in the world premiere of Sneaux. Regionally, he starred in productions at ART, Arkansas Rep, NSMT and The Kennedy Center. On film, he starred in the hit indie film The Fluffer (opposite Debbie Harry)and on television in “V.I.P.,” “The West Wing,” “Real Story” and Disney’s “Motocrossed.” His voice has been featured on the “Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Access Hollywood” and “Extra”and he has performed alongside Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Adam Lambert, Paloma Faith, Stacy Barthe and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Darlene Love.
Currently based in NYC, he averages nearly 150 live shows a year at venues including the Gramercy Theater, Brooklyn Bowl, Duane Park and The Box.
